Food Review

During this weight loss journey of mine Lean Cuisine is a big part of it.  That is what I usually have for lunch.  Its easy, usually filling, and a quick no brainer when I have to think of what to eat. 

This week I tried something new.  Lean Cuisine's Stuffed Cabbage with mashed potatoes. 

I don't know what made me pick it up other than to try something new.  Well, it was actually good.  The cabbage was light, tender and not at all "cabbagy" tasting.  The sauce was hard to pin down, kindof like a mixture between a marinara and a ketchup.  It was nice though,  a little sweet.  The entire thing was stuffed with a tender beef/pork/rice mixture.  It was really good.  It had a good texture and flavor, but not strong.  Also, the potatoes were good.  Anything that allows me to eat mashed potatoes is a win in my book.

Total points was 5, so that also makes it a win for lunch. 

Awesome Soup

In my attempt to get "back on the wagon" I was watching Hungry Girl the other day. She shared a soup recipe that was so easy I had to try it. I've made it twice and it is really yummy. So I'll share it with you. (You can find her recipe on her website here)

1 1/2 lbs. raw boneless skinless lean chicken breasts, halved
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1 small onion, finely diced
2 carrots, chopped
2 cups dry coleslaw mix
Two 14.5-oz. cans (about 3 1/2 cups) fat-free chicken broth (or one carton)
One 15-oz. can cannellini (white kidney) beans, drained and rinsed
One 14.5-oz. can stewed tomatoes (not drained)
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 tsp. fresh thyme
1 bay leaf

Okay, you seriously just dump all this stuff in a crock pot and cook it on high from 4 to 6 hours. She has a fancy crock-pot that works in 4 hours, mine, on the other hand, took 6. Once it's done you take the chicken breasts out, shred them and put them back in the pot. Remove the bay leaf or be sure you don't put it into someone's bowl.

I didn't have stewed tomatoes the last time I made the recipe so I used canned tomatos seasoned with basil and oregano (Italian kind) and it was still good. I couldn't tell a difference. Each serving is around one cup and is 3 points. I would say for me I'd eat two cups but still 6 points for a main meal is great.

My whole family enjoyed this, too! Served with a crunchy baguette (not for me) and a little Parmesan (again not for me) sprinkled on top and it's a great meal for a cold day! Enjoy!

Dinner for only 5 points. Yum

This is dinner tonight.

4 oz grilled chicken - 3 points
1 tbs yogurt dressing - 1 point
lettuce - 0 points
tomatos - 0 points
fruit salad - 0 points

Yum.

I Tried to Make a Pie

I made a pie this week using a Weight Watchers recipe.  It was good, but honestly, not worth the points.

I'll share the recipe anyway just in case some of you just love this kind of pie.  It's a lemon pie.  AND, if you aren't counting points it is a really good low fat pie.

6 whole reduced fat cinnamon graham crackers

2 Tbs butter

11 oz fat free sweetened condensed milk

1/2 C fresh lemon juice

2 large eggs

1 Tbs lemon zest

• Preheat oven to 350ºF.
  
• Grind graham crackers in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Or place crackers in a resealable plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin. Place crumbs in a small bowl.
  
• Melt butter on stove top or in microwave and pour over graham cracker crumbs, mixing with a fork until completely moistened. Press crumbs evenly onto bottom of a 9-inch pie pan; place crust in refrigerator while preparing lemon filling.
  
• In a medium bowl, combine condensed milk and eggs; mix until smooth. Add lemon juice and zest; stir until incorporated and pour into prepared crust.
  
• Bake pie for 15 minutes. Cool completely and for best flavor, serve chilled. Yields 1 piece per serving. 
•  find the recipe here

 Now, each slice is 4 points.  Each slice is also about an inch to an inch and a half wide. sooo...
in my world that equates to four bites at the most.

Now, for those of you who wish to be educated in points,  this is also four points.

For me, the choice is clear.  Although I am a huge fan of lemon, chocolate wins every time!